USC football: Linebacker Jarvis Jones granted release to transfer

Linebacker Jarvis Jones, who suffered a neck injury that sidelined him for five games last season and prevented him from participating in spring practice, was granted a release to transfer from USC, the school announced.

Jones, a Georgia native, played on special teams and as a reserve strongside linebacker, making 13 tackles in eight games as a true freshman.

Jones' injury depleted a linebacker corps that was already thinned by the unexpected end to fellow freshman Frankie Telfort's USC career because of a heart condition.

USC had two linebackers sign letters of intent in February -- Hayes Pullard of Crenshaw High and Glen Stanley of Eastern Arizona junior college.

-- Gary Klein